Copenhagen was different. Different from what I had expected. I had checked for sights, for signature architecture, for hotspots before we got on the plane in Geneva and left Switzerland for a week-long trip to the Danish Capital. And still: Copenhagen surprised, exceeded my expectations. Yes, thoughtful Scandinavian Design is everywhere. And yes, minimalism is an omnipresent concept that not only seems to influence fashion and architecture but also the city’s laid-back atmosphere. Copenhagen can be cold, mostly in a good, rarely in a bad way. However, there is also a much warmer side to it: A city centre that is reminiscent of a rich history and the city’s role as an important hub in Northern Europe. People are welcoming, switch to English before one even has a chance to say a word and still manage to make one feel at home. And even if one does feel lost sometimes: the bustling water front is always a safe bet, a place to relax, to review the experiences of the day.
There is much to love and little to complain about in Copenhagen. Sure, summers at the seaside have always been great – no matter where you go – and I have no idea how harsh, how depressing the cold and dark winters up north can be. But all this is part of an atmosphere that is unique for the Nordic countries, sets them apart from Central Europe. And looking at how Copenhagen embraces bicycles as main means of transport, new media and the sharing economy I have no doubts that its residents know best how to adapt to new – and sometimes unpleasant – conditions.
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© 2026 Alexander Schlosser